GLAAD - footballhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/football
enFormer NFL player Brad Thorson comes out, hopes to help other athleteshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/former-nfl-player-brad-thorson-comes-out-hopes-help-other-athletes
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="360" height="361" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-07/10502120_10152276734408253_2438583253419773537_n-360x361.jpg?itok=bxZXtVAm" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Brad Thorson, former college and NFL footballer comes out after years of struggling with his identity. <a href="http://alpharoast.com/seeing-through-the-fog/">On his blog</a>, Brad posted a note sharing his story as a gay athlete.</p>
<blockquote><p>"I’m also an athlete. For years, I struggled to unite these two identities in my own mind. Not until after my professional athletic career came to an end did I allow myself to understand my sexuality. Now, three years later, I’m finally ready to share that with people."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><p>"If not for the strength of athletes like Jason Collins, Michael Sam, and Brian Sims, I would likely still be struggling with my own cognitive dissonance. Each of their stories reinforced the truth that there is nothing wrong with being a competitive athlete and gay. Just as their stories helped me come to understand and accept myself, I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I hope to help someone else to understand his or her identity as a gay athlete" <a href="http://www.queerty.com/football-player-brad-thorson-comes-out-hopes-to-help-other-closeted-athletes-20140707?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29" target="_blank">said</a> Thorson.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Although Thorson finished his professional career, his coming out is a valuable element to the LGBT equality movement in sports.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 8, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
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Tue, 08 Jul 2014 16:51:23 +0000adera71615 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/former-nfl-player-brad-thorson-comes-out-hopes-help-other-athletes#commentsTwitter reacts to Michael Sam being drafted by the St. Louis Ramshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/twitter-reacts-michael-sam-being-drafted-st-louis-rams
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="469" height="264" id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-05/Michael_Sam.jpg?itok=gjoCVxcB" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>NFL player and University of Missouri alum Michael Sam <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/historic-move-michael-sam-drafted-nfl-first-openly-gay-player">was drafted by the St. Louis Rams</a> on Saturday, making him the first openly gay player to be drafted by the NFL. GLAAD is excited about this milestone, and individuals and communities from all over expressed their support as well. Check out some tweets about his success:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>Michael Sam Jersey Sales Surge To No. 2 Out Of NFL Rookies <a href="http://t.co/NEHXNoU5hk">http://t.co/NEHXNoU5hk</a></p>
<p>— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzFeed/statuses/465878063335882752">May 12, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>Fisher: "We're in an age of diversity. Players understand that. They know that." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamsDraft&amp;src=hash">#RamsDraft</a></p>
<p>— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) <a href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams/statuses/465283066303242240">May 11, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>Thank you to the St. Louis Rams and the whole city of St. Louis. I'm using every once of this to achieve greatness!! <a href="http://t.co/QESdOJVzsw">pic.twitter.com/QESdOJVzsw</a></p>
<p>— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/statuses/465269464477356033">May 10, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>Wow.What a day. On cloud 9. So proud and happy! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23stl&amp;src=hash">#stl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23rams&amp;src=hash">#rams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23draft&amp;src=hash">#draft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball">@MikeSamFootball</a> <a href="http://t.co/XXG1tngGhq">pic.twitter.com/XXG1tngGhq</a></p>
<p>— Vito (@Vitcamm) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vitcamm/statuses/465325561402101760">May 11, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>No matter what happen these next few days, I will always cherish moments like this!!! <a href="http://t.co/7jrhsUeebS">pic.twitter.com/7jrhsUeebS</a></p>
<p>— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/statuses/464479561854365697">May 8, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>We're so excited! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/GMA">@GMA</a>: ANNOUNCEMENT: <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball">@MikeSamFootball</a> will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPYS">@ESPYS</a> in July!</p>
<p>— ESPYS 2014 (@ESPYS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPYS/statuses/464025110786367488">May 7, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>Pure elation. <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball">@MikeSamFootball</a> is coming home. The <a href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams">@STLouisRams</a> have just made his NFL dream come true. <a href="http://t.co/MNBhFiZVRZ">pic.twitter.com/MNBhFiZVRZ</a></p>
<p>— ESPYS 2014 (@ESPYS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPYS/statuses/465271249367990272">May 10, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>There he is! Congrats to SEC DPOY and consensus All American <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball">@MikeSamFootball</a> on being drafted by <a href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams">@STLouisRams</a>! <a href="http://t.co/67wIpCTxVD">pic.twitter.com/67wIpCTxVD</a></p>
<p>— Mizzou (@Mizzou) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mizzou/statuses/465262725090648064">May 10, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p>BREAKING: Rams draft Missouri DE Michael Sam w/ 249th pick. Sam is 1st openly gay player selected in NFL Draft. <a href="http://t.co/JS8yJmJuRf">pic.twitter.com/JS8yJmJuRf</a></p>
<p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/465262659840253953">May 10, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 12, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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Mon, 12 May 2014 16:33:31 +0000cruocco70992 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/twitter-reacts-michael-sam-being-drafted-st-louis-rams#commentsVIDEO: Michael Sam signs his first endorsement with VISAhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/video-michael-sam-signs-his-first-endorsement-visa
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-2-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="750" height="750" id="2" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-05/MichaelSamFans_0_0.png?itok=5ApfhPu7" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>As <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2014/05/samvisa.html" target="_blank">Towleroad</a> reports, Michael Sam has signed his first endorsement deal with VISA.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/michael-sam-signs-visa/story?id=23646598#.U2wSJRR3wyE.twitter" target="_blank">ABC News reports:</a></p>
<blockquote><p>In his first spot, which is planned to exclusively run on digital platforms, Sam, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year out of Missouri, is shown working out while a voiceover urges the viewer to judge him for his play on the field, not off of it. "We felt that Michael's story was a perfect fit for our 'everywhere' campaign, which is meant to inspire people to reach their own personal goals and aspirations," Visa's chief marketing officer Kevin Burke told ESPN.com. "We wish Michael the best on and off the field as he embarks on the next chapter of his life."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Make sure to support Michael Sam in the NFL draft from May 8-10 as he is poised to be the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL. Send a message on Twitter: I'll be cheering for Michael Sam during the #NFLDraft2014. NFL Draft May 8-10 #SamFans <a href="http://www.glaad.org/samfans">http://www.glaad.org/samfans</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C75q_7TVmCk" width="560"></iframe></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 9, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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Fri, 09 May 2014 16:15:40 +0000adera70970 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/video-michael-sam-signs-his-first-endorsement-visa#commentsESPN revisits high school football captain coming out 15 years laterhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/espn-revisits-high-school-football-captain-coming-out-15-years-later
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="960" height="474" id="3" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-04/Corey%20Johnson.jpg?itok=YapJ9_5l" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>ESPN did a look back at the coming out of a high school football player, Corey Johnson. Corey, who went on to work at GLAAD, write for <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/">Towleroad</a>, and is now a New York City Councilmember, came out as gay while he was captain of his high school football team 15 years ago.</p>
<p>Watch the video here:</p>
<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&amp;adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJnI&amp;pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&amp;width=576&amp;height=324&amp;externalId=espn:10840675&amp;thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&amp;thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 28, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
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Mon, 28 Apr 2014 18:51:14 +0000rossmurray70772 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/espn-revisits-high-school-football-captain-coming-out-15-years-later#commentsSwedish Football player comes out as gay http://www.glaad.org/blog/swedish-football-player-comes-out-gay
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-4-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="470" height="312" id="4" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-03/juhlin.jpg?itok=LKLtM8Zl" alt="Marcus Juhlin, sweden, american football, football, sports, gay, coming out" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>After being inspired by Michael Sam's coming out story a Swedish football player announces he is gay. Marcus Juhlin contacted a Swedish magazine QX for an interview. According to <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2014/03/american-football-champion-in-sweden-comes-out-as-gay.html">Towleroad</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>"Please help me come out from the closet and close that door once and for all" He's the first American football player in Sweden to come out, and according to the QX team, the reaction from his team mates and from the other teams in the league have been amazing. "They all support and respect him," <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2014/03/american-football-champion-in-sweden-comes-out-as-gay.html" target="_blank">said</a> QX editor in chief Anders Öhrmantold</p>
</blockquote>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 28, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:28:16 +0000adera70337 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/swedish-football-player-comes-out-gay#commentsVIDEO: Former NFL player Drew Bledsoe talks openly gay football playershttp://www.glaad.org/blog/video-former-nfl-player-drew-bledsoe-talks-openly-gay-football-players
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="2100" height="1377" id="5" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-03/bledsoe.jpg?itok=M5X9RwG9" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/18/drew-bledsoe-gay-players-nfl_n_4986439.html">said everything will "be fine"</a> for an openly gay professional football player. While being interviewed on HuffPostLive, Bledsoe said, "In talking to guys that are playing now and guys that I played with, it's a far bigger story in the media than it is with any of the guys that are playing."<br /><br />Bledsoe said he didn't know if he ever had any gay teammates, but said that there were "a few over time" in the NFL. Watch the video below: </p>
<div style="text-align:center">
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://pshared.5min.com/Scripts/PlayerSeed.js?sid=281&amp;width=560&amp;height=345&amp;playList=518163299"></script><p>
<br /></p>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 23, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:03:48 +0000brendan70274 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/video-former-nfl-player-drew-bledsoe-talks-openly-gay-football-players#commentsMichael Sam tells Mizzou he 'worked hard not to cry' when they welcomed him after coming outhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/michael-sam-tells-mizzou-he-worked-hard-not-cry-when-they-welcomed-him-after-coming-out
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-6-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="6" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/Sam.jpg?itok=xiGJR-Ce" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A month after publicly coming out, Michael Sam writes a thank you letter to the Mizzou community. In his letter, Sam points out how much the support mattered to him.</p>
<blockquote><p>To my fellow University of Missouri students, athletes, faculty, alumni and supporters:</p>
<p>From my first recruiting trip to the University of Missouri, I felt something extraordinary and special — something I didn't feel anyplace else. I didn't have a name for it then; I do now. It's called family. And to me that family is defined by unconditional love.</p>
<p>Certainly you cheered my successes, but you also picked me up when I fell. Maybe most importantly, you gave me a chance to live my truth without judgment, without hesitation and with great discretion and respect.</p>
<p>When I came out last month, I did it with the confidence that my Mizzou "family" would always be there for me. To put it mildly, the love and acceptance I felt was amazing. The day after the announcement, my name was spelled out in the stadium; fraternities hung #StandWithSam banners; then <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2014/02/mizzousam.html" target="_self">when I went to the basketball game to honor the football team's Cotton Bowl victory</a>, I worked hard not to cry because of the amazing reception.</p>
<p>I have a long journey ahead of me, a lot of hard work and many dreams I want to fulfill. But I do it with the confidence that my Mizzou family will be there for me every step of the way. I will continue to work my hardest; I will strive to make you all proud. And I will be a Tiger forever.</p>
<p>Love, Michael</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 21, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
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Fri, 21 Mar 2014 18:26:34 +0000adera70267 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/michael-sam-tells-mizzou-he-worked-hard-not-cry-when-they-welcomed-him-after-coming-out#commentsNFL prospect comes out as gayhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-prospect-comes-out-gay
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="509" id="4" width="764" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/1200px/public/Sam.jpg?itok=nruVI9Vo" alt="" /></p>
<p>University of Missouri's Michael Sam, a football defensive end, today told ESPN that he is gay, becoming one of the nation's first openly LGBT NFL prospects.</p>
<p>"By rewriting the script for countless young athletes, Michael has demonstrated the leadership that, along with his impressive skills on the field, makes him a natural fit for the NFL," said GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis. "With acceptance of LGBT people rising across our coasts -- in our schools, churches, and workplaces -- it's clear that America is ready for an openly gay football star."</p>
<p>Sam was a defensive end for Mizzou Tigers of the University of Missouri. He graduated in December and is currently a highly-touted prospect in the National Football League (NFL) draft. He becomes the first publicly gay athlete in any of the Big 4 sports drafts.</p>
<p>In interviews with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/sports/michael-sam-college-football-star-says-he-is-gay-ahead-of-nfl-draft.html">The New York Times</a> and <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10429238">ESPN</a> tonight, the football player stated: "I am an openly, proud gay man."</p>
<p>In December 2013, The Associated Press named him the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year. He was also selected as one of ten unanimous first-team all-Americans. He led the SEC in both sacks and tackles-for-loss and resides in the top 10 nationally in Division I in those categories. He is originally from Hitchcock, Texas. Sports journalist Cyd Zeigler stated to GLAAD: "Every NFL draft expert has Sam being selected in the first to fifth round of this year's NFL draft."</p>
<p>"Michael is first and foremost a talented football player, and his humility and heart will reshape the way that Americans think about LGBT people and the sports world," said Wade Davis, Jr., a gay former NFL player and Executive Director of LGBT sports organization You Can Play. "His story sends a message to LGBT young people, especially young black men, that you are free to show up in the world as your authentic self and others will embrace you. When I came out after playing in the NFL, I felt the support from fans, teammates and the league and I know he will be embraced and continue to inspire."</p>
<p>In an NFL document released in April 2013, the NFL defined its equal employment opportunity policy as: "It is the policy of the National Football League to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law."</p>
<p>In the document, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also stated: “The NFL has a long history of valuing diversity and inclusion. Discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation is not consistent with our values and is unacceptable in the National Football League."</p>
<p>The NFL added sexual orientation to its list of protected classes in September 2011.</p>
<p>The NFL has also demonstrated its commitment to inclusion by participating in GLAAD's annual anti-bullying campaign, Spirit Day. For the past two consecutive years, the NFL has 'gone purple' online in a stand against bullying and to show its support for LGBT youth. In December 2013, You Can Play and the NFL announced the 'High Five Initiative' an "effort to create meaningful connections between LGBT youth and leaders within the professional sports community." Troy Vincent and Dwight Hollier, former NFL players and NFL player engagement executives, visited the Hetrick Martin Institute, the nation's largest and oldest LGBT youth services organization, yesterday to do just that. The league is also collaborating with You Can Play and You Belong for the second annual You Belong LGBTQ Sports and leadership initiative.</p>
<p><strong>Updated 2/9/14: </strong>The NFL has released the following statement: "We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014."</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 9, 2014</span></div></div></div><!--
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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:18:27 +0000Seth69850 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-prospect-comes-out-gay#commentsConner Mertens came out to his college football team last night. Now he comes out publicly.http://www.glaad.org/blog/conner-mertens-came-out-his-college-football-team-last-night-now-he-comes-out-publicly
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-7-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="7" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/155219_3228257125262_91463311_n_medium.jpg?itok=1L1zvxNy" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A place kicker at Willamette University in Oregon, Conner Mertens publicly came out as bisexual on <a href="http://www.outsports.com/2014/1/28/5348936/conner-mertens-willamette-football-kicker">Outsports</a>. He began his coming out journey by sharing about being bisexual with the head coach of his football team. Mertens later tweeted a letter to his town. By doing so, he hoped to inspire people and help change attitudes about the LGBT community in his home town.</p>
<blockquote><p>"You are not alone. You do not need to come out but you do need to know that you do not have to go at this by yourself. The aloneness you're feeling is temporary and it will get better. This place is changing...changing for the better. I made the decision that if I could prevent one person from feeling that self-hatred, loneliness, desperation and a thousand other emotions that I felt, I would. I will be damned if I let anyone tell you that you are wrong or weird or not normal. "Love yourself and allow others to love you. Be who you are and know you're not alone."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Since his freshman year of high school Mertens has been a member of Young Life, a national organization that gives Christian adults the platform to preach the word of God to youth. After graduating high school, he started training to be one of the leaders of the organization. Unfortunately, the organization’s policies ban members of the LGBT community to be a part of the organization.</p>
<blockquote><p>"It kind of broke my heart. The only word to describe how I felt was ‘numb.' I always thought it could happen, that this was probably a rule they had. Young Life has made me the happiest person, and I had so many plans for my work with them. There is so much good I could do with Young Life. I replay all the memories I have and all that I learned, and now I realize I won't be able to give back to the kids. It kind of sucks. "I guess one door closes, another opens."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>By although he was banned from Young Life, he became an inspiration as a first openly bisexual football player who is still actively playing. His teammates also showed a lot of support for their teammate. After coming out to his team, one teammate commented on Merten’s announcement:</p>
<blockquote><p>"Football as a sport, it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight or bisexual or what your background is," Shaver told Outsports. "The sport doesn't discriminate. As long as you're willing to get on the field and in the weight room and in the film room and give 100%, it doesn't matter to us who you are. Conner's a Bearcat. Whether he's gay, bisexual or straight, he's one of us."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Mertens’ story is undeniably an important one not only for the community but also for athletics. When college players come out, they have a chance to inspire other athletes to do the same but they also give non-LGBT athletes a chance to speak up for equality. Read the entire story at <a href="http://www.outsports.com/2014/1/28/5348936/conner-mertens-willamette-football-kicker">Outsports</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 28, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/bisexuality">Bisexuality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
</ul>
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Tue, 28 Jan 2014 22:32:56 +0000adera69726 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/conner-mertens-came-out-his-college-football-team-last-night-now-he-comes-out-publicly#commentsFormer Red Skins tight end Jerry Smith profiled on NFL Network's Football Life http://www.glaad.org/blog/former-red-skins-tight-end-jerry-smith-profiled-nfl-networks-football-life
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-8-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="8" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/image001_5.jpg?itok=KdNCTZGD" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>NFL Network will air its new documentary Jerry Smith: A Football Life, on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00 PM ET. This documentary features the story of gay footballer, Jerry Smith. From 1965-77, Jerry Smith was a two-time Pro Bowl tight end for the Washington Redskins. At the time he retired, Smith held the record for the most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history. Yet off the field, Smith lived with a personal secret he did not publicly share with his teammates.</p>
<p>“This guy was a tremendous football player. Tough as nails, great hands – just so dependable.” – Bobby Mitchell</p>
<p>The following topics are discussed in Jerry Smith: A Football Life:<img class="media-image media-image-right" id="2" style="float: right;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Jerry-Smith-1967-Philadelphia-189-Rookie-Card-Washington-Redskins-e1347668354878.jpg?itok=e4TBqUju" alt="" /></p>
<p>• Smith’s successful playing career with the Washington Redskins, in which he retired with the record for the most career touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history</p>
<p>• His relationship with teammate Dave Kopay during their time with the Redskins and how it later became strained</p>
<p>• Comments from Redskins teammates on if they were aware of Smith’s sexual orientation</p>
<p>• Journalist Lynn Rosellini’s series in the Washington Star, in which Smith anonymously detailed the life of a gay professional athlete</p>
<p>• His death from AIDS</p>
<p>During the show, viewers will also have the opportunity to interact and offer their thoughts on Twitter by following @NFLNetwork and using the hashtag #AFootballLife. For more information on the show, please visit <a href="http://nflcommunications.com/2014/01/16/former-redskins-tight-end-jerry-smith-profiled-on-nfl-networks-a-football-life-tuesday-january-21-at-900-pm-et/" target="_blank">here. </a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 21, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/must-see-lgbt-tv">Must-See LGBT TV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
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Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:06:04 +0000adera69595 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/former-red-skins-tight-end-jerry-smith-profiled-nfl-networks-football-life#commentsNew York Giants player Victor Cruz gives assist to gay bullied teenhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/new-york-giants-player-victor-cruz-gives-assist-gay-bullied-teen
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-9-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="9" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/6a00d8341c730253ef01a3fbe26220970b-800wi.jpg?itok=TfC00GWu" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Since he came out in middle school, Joey experienced constant bullying from his peers. He faced discrimination, abuse, and threats that lead him to contemplating suicide. The harassment mostly took place in the school’s locker room. Years later, Joey was able to move beyond the anti-LGBT harassment and engage in LGBT advocacy. Recently, Victor Cruz, the New York Giants wide receiver, helped Joey continue to move forward from the painful past by giving him a tour of the Giants locker room.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Now, thanks to Victor Cruz, he gets an opportunity to clear another hurdle: revisiting a locker room, a place that still conjures up painful memories. Cruz takes Joey on a tour of the New York Giants locker room to help him put the agony of his past truly behind him. Joey gains closure he needs to continue on his path to full recovery and learns to Never Say Never to overcoming his fears.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Read the full story <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2014/01/new-york-giant-player-victor-cruz-helps-gay-bullied-teen-video.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 9, 2014</span></div></div></div>
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<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
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Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:08:24 +0000adera69425 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/new-york-giants-player-victor-cruz-gives-assist-gay-bullied-teen#commentsGLAAD, You Can Play, NY Atty Gen. Schneiderman calling on NFL to address LGBT issues immediatelyhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-you-can-play-ny-atty-gen-schneiderman-calling-nfl-address-lgbt-issues-immediately
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="151" id="2" style="height: 151px; width: 425px;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/NFLmidfield.JPG?itok=JGXGXBPl" alt="" /></p>
<p>New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a statement demanding that the NFL investigate whether teams asked prospects about their sexual orientation during the league's pre-draft scouting combine. In a letter to the NFL that was <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/21877194/ny-attorney-general-schneiderman-nfl-must-act-on-sexual-orientation-concern">released to news organizations</a>, Schneiderman said:</p>
<blockquote><p>"We ask that the league immediately issue a statement that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation by league teams or players against potential recruits or players constitutes a violation of state, local and, in some cases, contractor law and will not be tolerated."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><img class="media-image" height="239" id="2" style="height: 239px; width: 425px;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/NickKasa_0.jpg?itok=3pslx7eC" alt="" /></p>
<p>Last month, Colorado Tight End prospect Nick Kasa told <a href="http://www.denverssportsstation.com/common/page.php?pt=CJandKreckman&amp;id=72">ESPN Denver's CJ and Kreckman</a> that he was asked during a scouting session if he had a girlfriend, and if he even "likes girls." Kasa <a href="http://www.denverssportsstation.com/common/page.php?pt=CJandKreckman_Replay&amp;id=85#">suspected a different purpose</a> than actually wondering about his own sexual orientation"</p>
<blockquote><p>"I think the whole point of the week is to play with your mind to see if you stay focused and stay driven," he said. "There was a couple of questions by coaches … they try to catch you off guard or try to say something you wouldn’t normally say … to see if they can get a reaction. They’re trying to see how badly they can get in your mind."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Regardless of the intent, this action is illegal under New York state law. After this information came to light, NFL officials did issue a statement, saying that the league <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21779833/nfl-team-asks-combine-prospect-do-you-like-girls">is investigating</a> the line of questioning revealed by Kasa.</p>
<blockquote><p>"Like all employers, our teams are expected to follow applicable federal, state and local employment laws. It is league policy to neither consider nor inquire about sexual orientation in the hiring process. In addition, there are specific protections in our collective bargaining agreement with the players that prohibit discrimination against any player, including on the basis of sexual orientation."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Attorney General Schneiderman, along with GLAAD and You Can Play, is now calling on the NFL not just to investigate and discpline, but to take immediate steps to ensure that no more harm comes to the league's LGBT fans, employees, and yes - current players.</p>
<blockquote><p>"Even if this was just one ignorant employee on one team asking one prospect, the fact that anyone involved with the NFL would think this is acceptable proves how much education needs to be done, on LGBT issues and employment law" said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "The NFL agreed to meet with GLAAD and the You Can Play Project to speak about these issues, but that needs to be a priority. We are asking that this happen immediately, and we thank Attorney General Schneiderman for encouraging that to happen"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>GLAAD and the You Can Play project were already slated to meet with league officials next month to discuss improving LGBT inclusion and awareness league-wide.</p>
<blockquote><p>"We agree that the NFL can do more to help ensure LGBT equality in their sport, but we believe it is important to remember that this is like stopping a battleship moving at full speed. It requires hard work, an understanding of how the league operates, and patience, said You Can Play President and co-founder Patrick Burke. "The NFL is a massive organization, comprising thousands of employees working for 32 unique teams in hundreds of distinct roles. The NFL has been taking proactive measures for months, reaching out to us to help find ways to implement policies that are actually effective and not just window dressing. We remain hopeful that we can achieve with the NFL what we have already achieved with the NHL."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The NFL is home to some of the most prominent LGBT allies in all of sports, including Michael Irvin, Conor Barwin, Scott Fujita, and two of the most outspoken, Brendan Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/newyork">both of whom will be guests at the GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday</a>. The league has been very communicative with advocates for LGBT inclusion in sports, and <a href="http://www.outsports.com/2012/10/9/4053778/nfl-hosts-inclusion-diversity-symposium-includes-glaad-glsen">invited both GLAAD and GLSEN to participate in its Diversity Symposium last year.</a></p>
<p>We thank Attorney General Schneiderman for making clear that action is required - not just to support the league's fans, employee and players - but also to obey the law. The challenges to promoting inclusion are different in every league and in every sport, and we are confident the NFL will continue to work with advocates and take concrete action to overcome those challenges.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 14, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:59:59 +0000aaronmcquade63751 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-you-can-play-ny-atty-gen-schneiderman-calling-nfl-address-lgbt-issues-immediately#commentsManti Te'o story leads to big question: Ex-Bears QB says gay NFL player would not be accepted. http://www.glaad.org/blog/manti-teo-story-leads-big-question-ex-bears-qb-says-gay-nfl-player-would-not-be-accepted
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-10-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="10" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/FootballGrass.JPG?itok=wsP_7k_4" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>UPDATE: The NFL <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21779833/nfl-team-asks-combine-prospect-do-you-like-girls">is investigating</a> the line of questioning revealed by Nick Kasa below.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="138" id="2" style="height: 138px; width: 120px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="120" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Jim%20Miller%20Bears.JPG?itok=UKKvrP2r" alt="" />Former Chicago Bears Quarterback Jim Miller told a pair of Chicago radio hosts on Tuesday that religion would prevent a gay player from being accepted in an NFL locker room. Miller's comments were made in response to stories that NFL teams are wondering whether Notre Dame star football player and Heisman Trophy runner-up Manti Te’o is gay.</p>
<p>From the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-miller-religion-gays-locker-room-20130226,0,2832792.story">Chicago Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>“There are some religions that are just not going to accept a gay individual in the locker room,” Miller told "The McNeil and Spiegel Show" on WSCR-AM 670. “So now, are you as an organization going to bring that element into your locker room and think everything is going to be OK?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Miller continued,</p>
<blockquote><p>"Last time I checked, whether it’s Christianity or Muslims or other religions that are out there, they’re just not going to accept it."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>However, when pressed for his own opinion ont he subject, Miller said "I could care less. You can play football or you can’t." </p>
<p>So why would the opinion of any other football player - or any other athlete, for that matter - be any different?</p>
<p>The truth is that there are welcoming groups within all world religions. And <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-players-express-growing-acceptance-openly-gay-teammates">most athlete interviews</a> (a <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-reaching-out-it-gets-better-nfl-49ers-after-video-denial">few members of the 49ers</a> perhaps notwithstanding) reveal that Miller's personal attitude likely prevails in just about all pro locker rooms in the country. Sure, when that day comes, there will probably be quite a few players who maybe don't think their gay teammate should be able to get married. But how many will really think he shouldn't be on the team at all?</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="206" id="2" style="height: 206px; width: 425px;;;;" width="425" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Manti_0.JPG?itok=azg4mKp-" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Te'o story is certainly an odd one to be having this discussion about. In January, Te'o said that he had been in a lengthy, long-distance relationship with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, without the two ever meeting, with the impression that Tuiasosopo was a woman named <span class="st">Lennay Kekua.</span> He was asked at the time by Katie Couric whether he was gay, and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/what-if-manti-teo-had-said-yes-i-am-gay-part-i">he said he was not</a>. Now, at the NFL's scouting combine, the question is being asked again.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="138" id="2" style="height: 138px; width: 120px; float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;;;;" width="120" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/FlorioNBC.JPG?itok=laJm8M8B" alt="" />ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/21766746/nfl-combine-florio-says-teams-want-to-know-if-teo-is-gay">appeared on the<em> Dan Patrick</em> <em>Show</em></a> to discuss the unusual combine experience that lays in wait for Te'o; most notably the fact that <a href="http://tracking.si.com/2013/02/25/nfl-teams-want-to-know-teo-sexuality/">NFL teams are going to want to know if he is gay</a>.</p>
<p>On the show Florio states:</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><em>"Here’s the elephant in the room for the teams and it shouldn’t matter, but we have to step aside from the rest of reality and walk into the unique industry that is the NFL. Teams want to know whether Manti Te’o is gay…They want to know because in an NFL locker room, it’s a different world. It shouldn’t be that way…It's been described to me as the proverbial elephant in the room and I don't think anyone knows how to solve this dilemma</em> (of asking Te'o if he is gay)<em> yet. It's just that they want to know what they're getting.”</em></p>
<p>Fiorio agrees that teams are thinking about how potentially controversial having a gay teammate would still be for an NFL team, but doesn't go as far as Miller in suggesting they would be unwelcomed. Florio states in the interview that he is not suggesting that an NFL team would completely take Te'o off of their draft board if the former Notre Dame star came out as gay. Yet, the implication that it could hurt his draft stock seems to be there.</p>
<p>It is important, though, for the NFL to show that whether or not a player is gay has no direct impact on their ability to contribute to the team's ability to win.</p>
<p>And apparently Te'o isn't the only one whose sexual orientation might be in question ... <em>every</em> player's is. </p>
<p>...sort of.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="239" id="2" style="height: 239px; width: 425px;;;;" width="425" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/NickKasa.jpg?itok=w_vZiHSp" alt="" /></p>
<p>Colorado Tight End prospect Nick Kasa told <a href="http://www.denverssportsstation.com/common/page.php?pt=CJandKreckman&amp;id=72">ESPN Denver's CJ and Kreckman</a> that he was asked during a scouting session if he "likes girls." But <a href="http://www.denverssportsstation.com/common/page.php?pt=CJandKreckman_Replay&amp;id=85#">he suspected a different purpose</a> than actually wondering about his own sexual orientation.</p>
<blockquote><p>"I think the whole point of the week is to play with your mind to see if you stay focused and stay driven," he said. "There was a couple of questions by coaches … they try to catch you off guard or try to say something you wouldn’t normally say … to see if they can get a reaction. They’re trying to see how badly they can get in your mind."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Still, it's likely a question that coaches and executives are pondering more as an actual possibility now, rather than just trying to rattle a kid. An interesting thought from <a href="http://deadspin.com/5987281/whos-the-latest-person-to-say-dumb-things-about-gay-players-in-the-nfl">Deadspin</a>, regarding this current discussion about gay players in the NFL:</p>
<blockquote><p>...this might be a good thing, this dress rehearsal. We run the gay drill now, as practice for everyone to stake out their positions and vomit half-formed opinions, and let those who'd panic get their panicking done with early. And then, when a gay player does enter the NFL, hopefully we'll be too tired of talking about it to care.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Although instances in the past <a href="http://www.aolnews.com/2009/01/12/tony-dungy-despite-what-you-may-be-told-is-not-perfect/">suggest that not everybody in the league is open and accepting</a>, many NFL players such as Chris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo have come out not just in support of having a gay teammate, but of that hypothetical teammate being able to marry.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="147" id="2" style="height: 147px; width: 130px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="130" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/WhitlockPhoto.jpg?itok=CJpTXF0w" alt="" />Sportswriter Jason Whitlock, <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/manti-teo-gay-rumors-sexuality-questions-roger-goodell-can-push-nfl-acceptance-notre-dame-022613">in a column for Fox Sports</a>, discusses the need for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to step in and take action. Whitlock states that it is important for Goodell to, "use this Te’o situation as a convenient excuse to enact tough measures and standards of behavior that attempt to eliminate the homophobic hostility within football locker rooms". Whitlock and many others like him feel Goodell can work to change this environment by enlisting the help of gay-rights activists to train the league and by issuing heavy handed punishments to athletes who promote homophobia.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-athlete-ally-and-you-can-play-respond-anti-gay-remarks-san-francisco-49er-player-chris">GLAAD has been working with both Athlete Ally and You Can Play</a> on a proposal to do exactly what Whitlock is suggesting. There is both an opportunity and a need to teach here, and we certainly hope Goodell and the NFL recognize that fact.</p>
<p><em>GLAAD Sports Media Intern Elliott Moore contributed to this story</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 27, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:54:44 +0000aaronmcquade62712 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/manti-teo-story-leads-big-question-ex-bears-qb-says-gay-nfl-player-would-not-be-accepted#commentsNFL players express growing acceptance for openly gay teammateshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-players-express-growing-acceptance-openly-gay-teammates
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="140" id="2" style="float: left; margin: 5px; height: 140px; width: 180px;;;;;;" width="180" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/robert%20griffin%20III_0.jpg?itok=kvsshgb6" alt="" />The culture surrounding football, and more commonly the NFL, is sometimes thought to contain an extensive amount of homophobia. And some of the pre-Super Bowl comments made by a handful of players didn't do much to dispel this belief. However, recent testimonials by current and former professional football players have proven that many people within the NFL are beginning to embrace the idea of an openly gay teammate in their locker room. Recently, Outsports.com <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2013/02/05/14-nfl-more-players-who-would-be-supportive-of-a-gay-teammate/">compiled a list of 14 more NFL players</a> who have vocally supported the possibility of having an openly gay teammate in the locker room. The story comes <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/sports-community-weighs-chris-cullivers-anti-gay-comments">in response to 49ers play Chris Culliver</a>, who issued anti-gay statements on a radio-show leading up to his playing in the Super Bowl last Sunday, and his teammates Ahmad Brooks and Isaac Sopoaga who said they didn't know that "It Gets Better" was meant to encourage LGBT young people when they participated in the project. The list is meant to showcase the many current NFL players who possess <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_22494882/">contrary viewpoints</a> to the <a href="http://www.advocate.com/sports/2013/01/31/players-advocates-slam-49er-who-said-gays-unwelcome-team">anti-gay sentiments released by Culliver</a> on the radio show.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="173" id="2" style="float: left; height: 173px; width: 160px; margin: 5px;;;;;;" width="160" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/rob%20gronkowski_0.jpg?itok=kzKwxoXr" alt="" />This recent story comes in conjunction with recent statements released by star NFL players who recounted their feelings about having a gay teammate. Earlier in 2012, Outsports.com <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/07/16/rob-gronkowski-would-be-cool-with-a-gay-teammate/">interviewed Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots</a> about how he felt about having a gay teammate and, although apprehensive at first, said, "If that’s how they are, that’s how they are. I mean, we’re teammates so, as long as he’s being a good teammate and being respectful and everything, that’s cool.” <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/14875/robert-griffin-iii">Robert Griffin III</a>, who is the stand out rookie quarterback for the Washington Redskins, <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/05/23/a-dozen-nfl-players-tell-outsports-they-would-support-a-gay-teammate/">recounted a time when one of his teammates in high school came out as gay</a>. Griffin said that his teammate stopped playing football after he came out. Even though Griffin III has gay friends and does not care if a teammate is gay he remembered the instance as a time when perceived homophobia in football may have prevented his teammate from playing the game. </p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="210" id="2" style="margin: 5px; float: right; height: 210px; width: 140px;;;;;;" width="140" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/brendonayanbadejoNoH8.jpg?itok=sMfdfvt8" alt="" />One of the most vocal supporters of gay rights within the NFL, and one of those compiled within <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/09/12/robert-griffin-iii-rob-gronkowski-eric-decker-trent-richardson-gay-positive-nfl-players/">Outsports.com's list of gay-supportive players</a>, has been <a href="http://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2013/01/31/america-ready-first-active-gay-nfl-player">Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens</a>. Not only did Ayanbadejo use the big stage of the Super Bowl to publicly advocate for gay rights but, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/04/brendon-ayanbadejo-baltimore-ravens-gay-rights-russell-simmons_n_2617382.html">in an interview with Russell Simmons</a>, the football star discussed how the more scrutiny he got for supporting gay rights the more steadfast he stood in support for the issue. On top of this, and in the midst of his son's heart surgery, Ayanbadejo <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2013/02/lemonayanbadejo.html">conducted an interview yesterday with Don Lemon</a> on CNN in which he stated, ""Now that I'm a Super Bowl champion, my voice just projects that much further and hopefully it can lead to more change and more positive things for the LGBT community". These recent comments by Ajanbadejo and other NFL players show that professional football is quickly becoming a home to some of the most vocal advocates for LGBT rights.</p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 5, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:48:26 +0000elliottmoore62191 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-players-express-growing-acceptance-openly-gay-teammates#commentsSports Community Weighs in on Chris Culliver's Anti-Gay Commentshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/sports-community-weighs-chris-cullivers-anti-gay-comments
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="250" id="2" style="float: left; margin: 10px; height: 250px; width: 200px;;;;;;;;;" width="200" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/chris%20culliver.jpg?itok=LEeHxwnI" alt="" />Yesterday, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-athlete-ally-and-you-can-play-respond-anti-gay-remarks-san-francisco-49er-player-chris">GLAAD made a statement along with Athlete Ally and You Can Play, on the actions of Chris Culliver</a>, who stated that he would not want an openly gay player on his football team and wrongly felt that they would not be accepted within his football locker room. Immediately after his comments were given the San Francisco 49ers, the team for which he plays, <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-30/sports/chi-chris-culliver-san-francisco-49ers-20130130_1_anti-gay-remarks-san-francisco-49ers-chris-culliver">rejected his comments</a> and reaffirmed their support for the LGBT community. In the past the 49ers have been very vocal <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4glWjcbAbY">in their support for the LGBT community</a> as well as <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/49ers-coach-says-hed-welcome-gay-player">for a gay athlete within their locker room</a> and the comments made by Culliver are clearly oppositional to their stance on LGBT rights. This statement prompted Culliver to issue an apology in which he stated that his comments were a <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/31/chris-culliver-apologizes-for-anti-gay-comments/">“reflection of the thoughts in his head”</a> but not how he actually feels.</p>
<p>Now, a day after the incident and while the 49ers are absorbed in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII, the sports community has begun to reflect on the significance of Culliver’s comments, and where they fit into the context of the modern sports world. Of course, some are questioning <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57566826/chris-culliver-anti-gay-comments-will-team-be-affected-in-super-bowl/">whether or not the anti-gay comments</a> made by Culliver will have an adverse effect on how the 49ers prepare for and play in Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday. But others are speaking to the broader issue of LGBT people in the world of sports. Many sports writers like Tyson Langland from Bleacher Report are speaking out about <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1508673-chris-culliver-needs-to-rethink-what-he-said-after-making-snide-anti-gay-remarks?search_query=chris%20culliver">how unacceptable Culliver’s comments are as a player within the NFL</a>.</p>
<p>Marcus Thompson who is the beat writer for the Golden State Warriors and works for the Bay Area News Group responded to Culliver’s commentary by stating <a href="https://twitter.com/gswscribe">that “compassion is born out of understanding”</a>, seemingly suggesting that Culliver lacks an understanding of the LGBT community. Tim Kawakami from <em>The San Jose Mercury News</em> reprimanded the comments made by Culliver by stating that his words were, <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2013/01/30/chris-culliver-wanted-super-bowl-attention-he-has-it-now-not-at-all-in-a-good-way/">“ inappropriate, small-minded and not befitting a representative of any sports franchise”</a>. President of the San Francisco 49ers Gideon Yu responded to his player’s comments by tweeting that although he loves his team and players, he <a href="https://twitter.com/gideonyu">“Absolutely abhors discrimination”</a>. <img class="media-image" height="250" id="2" style="margin: 10px; float: right; height: 250px; width: 300px;;;;;" width="300" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Super%20Bowl%2047.jpg?itok=4YwdTecM" alt="" /></p>
<p>Hosts of Popular ESPN show <strong><em>Pardon the Interruption</em></strong> Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon weighed in on the issue during their show. <a href="http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=8898860">Wilbon noted how Culliver is, “out of touch”</a> with the mainstream American public on the issue of LGBT inclusion. He also noted how Culliver’s actions, “reflect such intolerance” that he would keep a distance from the player and his “frightening comments” about the LGBT community. Head Coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh stated that Culliver’s comments were “not something that reflects the way the organization feels, the way the rest of the players feel.” At the end of the day many media outlets feel that Culliver <a href="http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/01/30/san-francisco-49ers-cb-chris-culliver-wrong-for-anti-gay-comments/">needs to learn from the experience</a> of expressing hurtful and intolerant ideology on such a national stage.</p>
<p>Gwen Knapp from the excellent <a href="http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/41277152/">Sports On Earth</a> website rightfully points out that Culliver was responding to a "clownish radio-show host" who had led into this question about gay players by first asking how many "white chicks" Culliver was planning to "bang," then asking if he had been hit on by any gay men. (not necessarily players.) Knapp says about Culliver "What he really needs to do, though, is listen."</p>
<p>The real issue comes down to the ability of the 49ers, and the NFL in general, to create those listening opportunities, and to cultivate an LGBT inclusive environment within the professional football community.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 31, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:02 +0000elliottmoore62053 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/sports-community-weighs-chris-cullivers-anti-gay-comments#commentsWhat if Manti Te'o had said "Yes, I am gay?" Part IIhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/what-if-manti-teo-had-said-yes-i-am-gay-part-ii
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>(Editor's Note: <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/what-if-manti-teo-had-said-yes-i-am-gay-part-i">As Part I explains</a>, this post is not in any way intended to suggest that Te'o was not telling the truth. It is intended to reassure young people who identify with him, and may have been discouraged by his answer. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/what-if-manti-teo-had-said-yes-i-am-gay-part-i">Please read Part I before reading this</a>. Ross Murray, GLAAD's Director of Religion, Faith &amp; Values, contributed to this post.)</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="206" id="3" style="height: 206px; width: 425px;;;;;;;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/1200px/public/Manti.JPG?itok=iIQA5VmP" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong>Manti Te'o is a football player</strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="135" id="2" style="height: 135px; width: 180px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;;;;;;" width="180" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/football.jpg?itok=3eFaKDSA" alt="" />Te'o <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/1/24/3911308/manti-teo-2013-nfl-draft-scouting-report">is still regarded as one of the most hyped NFL prospects of the 2013 draft</a>, with or without the current publicity. Even though the casual fan might not associate the NFL with LGBT rights, the league is home to some of the most outspoken allies in all of professional sports. Recently, the Super Bowl bound head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Jim Harbaugh, said that <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2013/01/23/san-francisco-49ers-coach-jim-harbaugh-would-be-fine-with-an-openly-gay-player/">he would be fine if one of his players game out as gay</a>. The sentiment, which was then echoed by many of his current roster, included the statement that the head coach only really cared about his players playing, “through their own personality and be(ing) who they are”.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="177" id="2" style="height: 177px; width: 140px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;;;;" width="140" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/BrendanAyan.JPG?itok=mnH5j7Pc" alt="" />Perhaps the most vocal and prominent example of LGBT allies in the NFL is linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens, who vocally advocates for LGBT rights on twitter and in the media, and who sent a text to marriage equality advocates Brian Ellner and Michael Skolnik at 3:40 AM after his team won the AFC Championship <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-01-23/sports/bal-ayanbadejo-to-bring-same-sex-marriage-cause-to-super-bowl-20130123_1_brendon-ayanbadejo-gay-rights-marriage-equality">asking how he could use the platform to help support marriage equality and end bullying against the LGBT community</a>. He is joined by Minnesota Vikings punter <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/01/chris-kluwe-nfl-vikings-gay-marriage-interview-colbert">Chris Kluwe</a>, Cleveland Browns linebacker <a href="http://www.scottfujita.com/press-room/press-release-browns-lb-joins-athlete-ally-ambassador-initiative/">Scott Fujita</a>, and Houston Texans linebacker <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829c9c2e/article/connor-barwin-openly-gay-player-would-be-welcomed">Connor Barwin.</a> And at the college level, Jordan Rodgers, who is the Vanderbilt Commodores starting quarterback and little brother to NFL great Aaron Rodgers, <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2013/01/18/jordan-rodgers-has-no-problem-with-a-gay-teammate/">has stated that sexual orientation is not important to him</a> in a teammate. The only thing that matters is whether or not they perform on the field.</p>
<p><strong>Manti Te'o is a Mormon</strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="200" id="2" style="height: 200px; width: 180px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="180" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/mormonally.jpg?itok=g6gxzagR" alt="" />Things have changed among Mormons in the past few years. Increasingly, Mormons are <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/queer-eye-mormon-bishop-guy" target="_blank">doing some soul searching</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbt-affirming-movement-within-mormon-church" target="_blank">apologizing for their anti-LGBT actions</a>, and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/mormons-take-steps-toward-lgbt-acceptance" target="_blank">marching in Pride parades</a>. This message is <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/op-ed-way-out-danger-lgbt-mormon-youth" target="_blank">starting to reach the hierarchy of the Mormon</a> Church, who recently put out a new web site: <a href="http://www.mormonsandgays.org" target="_blank">www.mormonsandgays.org</a>. The policy of the church is still anti-LGBT, but the church is no longer encouraging harmful “ex-gay” practices or actively chasing away its LGBT members in some locations. However, pro-LGBT Mormons have launched their own web site: <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/new-blog-no-more-strangers-features-voices-lgbt-affirming-mormons" target="_blank">No More Strangers</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Manti Te'o attends the University of Notre Dame</strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="163" id="2" style="height: 163px; width: 180px; float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;;;;" width="180" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/notre_dame_south_bend_101.jpg?itok=28rZtEuT" alt="" />Probably one of the best known Catholic schools in the United States, LGBT students on Notre Dame’s campus can find supportive systems in place. In December, Notre Dame <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/notre-dame-announces-changes-support-service-lgbt-students">announced that it would provide more support services for LGBT students</a>, including a university-recognized LGBT student organization. This is in contrast to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/catholic-university-students-coming-out-network">other Roman Catholic colleges and universities</a> who have <a href="http://www.metroweekly.com/feature/?ak=5102">denied charter status</a> for LGBT student organizations. And while the Roman Catholic hierarchy continues to be one of the most vocal opponents of LGBT equality, especially marriage equality, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/pro-lgbt-roman-catholics-speak-and-step-out">everyday Catholics continue to grow in support</a>. A 2011 survey reported <a href="http://www.glaad.org/2011/03/25/catholics-overwhelmingly-supportive-of-lgbt-equality-new-research-shows">that 74% of Catholics support LGBT equality</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Manti Te'o is Hawaiian</strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="126" id="2" style="height: 126px; width: 180px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="180" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/HawaiiMap.jpg?itok=yXhB7O04" alt="" />The state of Hawaii currently recognizes both same-sex civil unions and reciprocal beneficiary relationships. Additionally, Hawaii law <a href="http://www.hrc.org/laws-and-legislation/entry/hawaii-non-discrimination-law1">specifically prohibits</a> discrimination based up gender identity and sexual orientation in employment, public accommodations and housing. The Advocate has reported that Hawaii’s current Governor is <a href="http://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2012/02/22/hawaii-gov-wont-defend-states-gay-marriage-ban">refusing to recognize</a> the states gay marriage ban. Governor Neil Abercrombie states that the current constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Hawaii is inherently unequal, which he says goes against his duties as governor of the state. The Advocate also <a href="http://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2011/10/24/poll-near-majority-hawaiians-want-marriage-equality">reported in 2011</a> that a new majority of Hawaii voters, 49%, would support the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state. Also, recently, Towelrod reported that a number of high profile college athletes within Hawaii <a href="http://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2011/10/05/hawaiis-college-athletes-say-no-bullying">were starring in a number of anti-bullying public announcements</a> that would air across the state. Additionally, Honolulu is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. The city boasts a vibrant and accepting LGBT community and also hosts the annual LGBT themed<a href="http://www.hglcf.org/"> Rainbow Film Festival</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Manti Te'o is an Eagle Scout</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.scoutsforequality.com/"><img class="media-image" height="204" id="2" style="height: 204px; width: 100px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;;;;" width="100" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Eagle_Scout_medal_D%26C1.png?itok=vjBlOpbK" alt="" />More than three thousand Eagle scouts have joined Scouts for Equality</a> which is an organization which asks that the Boy Scouts of America remove their discriminatory ban on LGBT members within the organization. These Eagle Scouts are in fact at the head of the movement towards getting the ban lifted, a movement supported by more than 1 million people. Many of these Eagle Scouts have even gone so far as to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts/eaglescouts">mail their Eagle Scout medal and award back to the BSA</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line</strong></p>
<p>If you identify with Manti Te'o for any of these reasons, and if you believe he answered the way he did because he felt he would not be accepted in any of these communities, take heart in this information. And we hope Te'o himself uses his platform to support LGBT inclusion in each of these communities.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 28, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:07:11 +0000elliottmoore61908 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/what-if-manti-teo-had-said-yes-i-am-gay-part-ii#commentsNFL Players Speak Up As Allies For Gay Athleteshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-players-speak-allies-gay-athletes
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A dozen professional football players were asked this week about their thoughts on gay athletes and expressed unanimous support to <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/05/23/a-dozen-nfl-players-tell-outsports-they-would-support-a-gay-teammate/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=a-dozen-nfl-players-tell-outsports-they-would-support-a-gay-teammate">Outsports.com</a>--a story that has been picked up by mainstream media outlets, including CBS, NBC, Washington Post, and the NFL itself. Collectively, the reports show that the NFL is, contrary to popular belief, not only tolerant of gay athletes, but in fact could be an environment that fosters understanding and acceptance.<img class="media-image" height="220" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left; width: 150px; height: 164px;" width="201" src="http://www.m.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Eagles%20Player%20Nick%20Foles_1.jpg?itok=3RPmIKMD" alt="" /></p>
<p>Players who spoke with Outsports founder Cyd Zeigler at the recent NFLPA Rookie Premiere events in Los Angeles strongly expressed that, gay or straight, your teammates are first and foremost your teammates; sexual orientation is mostly a nonissue, especially compared to how well one plays the game. Though <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19134213/attitudes-among-possible-gay-teammates-seem-to-be-shifting">CBS Sports speculates</a> that the interviewed players “might still remain in the minority,” <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/23/perception-of-nfl-playersas-homophobic-may-be-outdated/">NBC Sports</a> and Zeigler reports that these supportive attitudes are actually indicative of a becoming-less-silent majority.</p>
<p>Allies in the NFL include former player Jesse Palmer and Eagles back-up quarterback Nick Foles. Palmer tells Zeigler, “someone’s sexuality, that really should have no bearing or effect. At the end of the day you’re a team. That’s the important thing.” Palmer’s take on the subject aligns with, according to Zeigler, “the majority of voices we have heard in recent years [that] reflect all of these men: They don’t care if a teammate is gay.”</p>
<p>Zeigler explains that the men they spoke to “are NFL stats leaders, national champions and high draft picks. They are the past, present and future leaders of the NFL.” What has changed over time are not just the attitudes towards gay athletes and fans, but also the courage to vocalize support. </p>
<p>While NFL players are coming out in support of gay athletes, the popular stereotypes regarding the hyper-masculinity of sports culture making actually coming out <em>as</em> a gay athlete <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/robert-griffin-iii-talks-about-a-gay-former-teammate/2012/05/23/gJQAXrLikU_blog.html">a daunting it task</a>. Indeed, no NFL player has ever done so before retirement, which Zeigler also asked about. Palmer believes this is because “when people think football they think testosterone and hitting and masculinity.” Foles agrees that such stereotypes about sports culture exist, but in reality, football players “have hearts too. We’re normal people, and we just want to treat people decently.”</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 29, 2012</span></div></div></div>
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Tue, 29 May 2012 18:20:34 +0000alexandrabolles55317 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/nfl-players-speak-allies-gay-athletes#commentsHigh School Athlete Tells Coming Out Storyhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/high-school-athlete-tells-coming-out-story
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="float: left;" src="http://www.m.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/jeremyfront.jpg?itok=4llZlA47" alt="" />Earlier this week, OutSports.com <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/02/14/gay-high-school-football-player-finds-acceptance-amid-homophobia-in-rural-america/">shared the story</a> of Jeremy, a 17-year-old high school student who is gay, an athlete, and living in a small rural town in the United States. After reading the <a href="http://bradrobertben.wordpress.com/">stories</a> of other <a href="http://samisblue.wordpress.com/">gay high school athletes</a>, Jeremy, who runs track and plays football, was inspired to write about his experiences and started a blog, “<a href="http://standingupspeakingnow.wordpress.com/">Standing Up Speaking Now</a>.” In his OutSports piece, Jeremy talks about coming to terms with his sexual orientation and coming out to those closest to him, including his best friend and teammate, who replied, “Dude, I don’t see you any different. You’re the same person as before, you’re still family.” Unfortunately, not all of his experiences have been as pleasant, and Jamie has been the subject of school rumors, received hurtful comments, and has been rejected by some of his peers. While Jamie admits to being somewhat affected by these negative response, the support he has received has changed his life and allowed him to grow in ways he never thought possible. He is looking forward to college, and while he is an exceptionally talented athlete, his goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon.</p>
<p>Stories like Jeremy’s are not told often enough, but they have a powerful impact, especially for other young athletes who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The sports world can be a challenging place to come out, as anti-gay language far too frequently appears conversation amongst players and coaches, especially when tempers flare – but even in casual conversation. However, more and more LGBT-identified athletes and straight allies are coming forward and speaking about their experiences, working to end harmful stereotypes and language, and paving the way for future generations to feel welcome and safe in being who they are and doing what they love. GLAAD applauds Jeremy and OutSports.com for being a part of this important conversation that can help improve the lives of so many.</p>
<p>(image via outsports)</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 17, 2012</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football">football</a>, </li>
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Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:03:23 +0000daniheffernan48701 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/high-school-athlete-tells-coming-out-story#commentsKeeping My Fingers Crossed for the Super Bowl http://www.glaad.org/blog/keeping-my-fingers-crossed-super-bowl
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>(…and not just because my team is in it.)</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="176" id="2" style="height: 176px; width: 200px; float: left; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" width="200" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/SB1.JPG?itok=I5q3FBEe" alt="" />The Super Bowl is hands-down the single biggest annual media event in America and possibly the world. A record-breaking <strong>111 million viewers</strong> tuned into the Fox Network to watch the Packers beat the Steelers making it the most-watched telecast in U.S. history. Now obviously, many of those 111 million people weren’t tuned in just to watch the game. The modern Super Bowl is as much a contest for advertisers as it is for football teams. Fox made roughly $200 million in ad revenue last year, from those few hours alone.</p>
<p>So in the run-up to this year’s battle between the Patriots and Giants, let’s take a minute to put aside Gronk’s questionable ankle, Eli Vs. Brady, and who will win the reminiscent trench battle between Jason Pierre-Paul and Matt Light. Let’s talk commercials. With advertisers planning to pump billions of dollars to their Super Bowl commercials, there’s no doubt we can expect to see more clever gags, talking animals, celebrity cameos, more talking animals. Let’s certainly not forget the homages to pop culture, day-trading babies and of course, even more talking animals. But unfortunately, what we also can expect is a poor representation of the LGBT community. </p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="105" id="2" style="height: 105px; width: 150px; float: right;" width="150" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/0125_banned-superbowl-ads-snickers-kiss_485x340.jpg?itok=SzeyeQwI" alt="" />We all remember the <a href="releases/glaad-identifies-worst-anti-gay-defamation-2007">Snickers ad from 2007</a>, in which two mechanics sharing a candy bar accidentally kiss, then “do something manly.” During the game, audiences saw the two men rip out each others’ chest hair. Online, audiences saw one of the men crush the other’s head with a giant wrench. Viewers were also given the chance to watch NFL players react to watching the ads – most wincing in disgust at the sight of the two men kissing. <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/06/business/main2441402.shtml">Under pressure from GLAAD, HRC, and LGBT advocates</a>, Snickers pulled the plug on the campaign, and the videos have been removed from the internet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The very next year, Bridgestone Tires ran an ad in which a driver swerved to avoid a deer, then swerved to avoid hitting Alice Cooper, who was in the road for a reason to symbolize something “unexpected.” But when <a href="http://www.afterelton.com/TV/2008/2/superbowlads?page=0,0">fitness guru Richard Simmons appeared in the road</a> (equally inexplicably) the driver’s eyes got wide, he gunned the engine, <a href="http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2008/02/22/courting-homophobes-in-ads/">and raced right at Simmons</a>, before swerving again at the very last second to avoid killing him.<br /><br /></p>
<object id="veohFlashPlayer" name="veohFlashPlayer" height="341" width="410"><param name="movie" value="http://www.veoh.com/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.7.0.1330&amp;permalinkId=v3753501jr5Rr6yj&amp;player=videodetailsembedded&amp;videoAutoPlay=0&amp;id=anonymous" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="veohFlashPlayerEmbed" name="veohFlashPlayerEmbed" src="http://www.veoh.com/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.7.0.1330&amp;permalinkId=v3753501jr5Rr6yj&amp;player=videodetailsembedded&amp;videoAutoPlay=0&amp;id=anonymous" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="341" width="410"></embed></object><p><br /><font size="1">Watch <a href="http://www.veoh.com/watch/v3753501jr5Rr6yj">Bridgestone</a> in <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/entertainment">Entertainment</a> | View More <a href="http://www.veoh.com">Free Videos Online at Veoh.com</a></font></p>
<p>In 2010, CBS decided to air an ad by the notoriously anti-gay organization Focus on the Family, <a href="action/call-cbs-explain-super-bowl-advertising-decision">despite having rejected ads with pro-LGBT messages</a>.</p>
<p>And it hasn’t just been gay men targeted. 2010 was also the year that an ad for something called “Flo TV” ended with the arguably anti-transgender tagline “change out of that skirt, Jason.”</p>
<p>-----------<br /><br /></p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5Mr31JemdOs" frameborder="0" height="308" width="410"></iframe>
<p>--------<br /><br />And last year, an ad for Living Social showed a transgender woman’s transition from brawny man to woman, thanks to the discounts offered by the service.</p>
<p>------<br /><br /></p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_gHx9U5OimE" frameborder="0" height="238" width="410"></iframe>
<p>-----------<br /><br />This ad was probably the best portrayal of LGBT themes in recent Super Bowl history, and certainly portrayed the main character as being happy with her life. But, <a href="2011/02/08/ignorance-of-transgender-issues-apparent-in-media">as we wrote last year</a>, there’s a shock/laugh value at play, and it does portray an inaccurate journey through becoming more “cultured,” to being gay, and eventually to presenting as a woman.</p>
<p>While most of these ads, and several others not described here, rely on anti-LGBT themes in the service of humor, anyone who’s ever been the butt of a joke knows that’s not the case. The truth is these words and images have a real impact on the everyday lives of millions of Americans. They feed in to the dangerous stereotypes that fuel bias toward the LGBT community and prevent them from participating fully in their communities. Even if the context is an attempt at humor dehumanizing gay and transgender people needs to be taken seriously..</p>
<p>This Super Bowl is more than just a rematch from 2007.As <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/01/23/patriots-and-giants-are-two-of-nfls-gay-friendly-teams/">Outsports points out</a>, the two teams playing for the Lombardi trophy are two of the most pro-LGBT teams in all of professional sports—both teams’ owners have made public statements supporting marriage equality. Former Giants’ great Michael Strahan filmed an HRC video supporting marriage equality in New York last year. The Patriots <a href="http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/a-conversation-with-steve-buckley/">went all-out to welcome</a> Boston Herald columnist and sportswriter Steve Buckley after he came out last year.<br /><br /> Throughout the world of sports, 2011 was nothing short of remarkable in terms of LGBT support. The NFL, NBA and MLB <a href="blog/nbas-new-labor-agreement-includes-discrimination-protections">all added anti-discrimination clauses</a> to their labor agreements that protect people based on sexual orientation. NBA superstar Grant Hill <a href="http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2732.html">appeared in a fantastic anti-bullying PSA for GLSEN</a> which <a href="http://action.glsen.org/page/s/saythanks?utm_source=Friends%2Bof%2BGLSEN%2C%2BStudents%2C%2BEducators&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=say%2Bthanks&amp;utm_campaign=Super%2BBowl">will be shown to spectators outside the Super Bowl on Sunday</a>. Shaquille O’Neal became arguably the highest-profile athlete ever to take part in a pro-LGBT campaign <a href="releases/nba-legend-shaquille-oneal-speaks-out-against-anti-gay-bullying-new-public-service">when he appeared in GLAAD’s “Amplify Your Voice” ads</a> last year. The aforementioned HRC campaign featuring Strahan <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/06/michael-strahan-same-sex-marriage-psa/1">also featured pro hockey player Sean Avery and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash</a> speaking out about the importance of marriage equality. Eight Major League Baseball teams (who all received advice from GLAAD) <a href="blog/looking-back-mlbs-it-gets-better-videos">filmed messages of support for the <em>It Gets Better</em> campaign</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/amplifierawards">As we continue to work with the advertising world to encourage accurate and inclusive representations of LGBT people in commercials</a>, my hope is that this is the year that ad-makers catch up to athletes, and we can finally stop adding to the list of “anti-LGBT” themed Super Bowl commercials.</p>
<p><em>Report defamatory commercials and media coverage to GLAAD at <a href="http://www.glaad.org/reportdefamation">www.glaad.org/reportdefamation</a></em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 3, 2012</span></div></div></div>
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<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a>, </li>
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Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:56:54 +0000aaronmcquade48225 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/keeping-my-fingers-crossed-super-bowl#commentsCould Trailblazing Gay Athlete Come from NFL?http://www.glaad.org/blog/could-trailblazing-gay-athlete-come-nfl
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles thumbnail"> <img id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/nfl-logo_0.jpg?itok=hmIxOKqW" alt="" title="" /></span>Over the weekend, <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/09/24/1019880/-NFL-Adds-LGB-Discrimination-Protection-To-Players-Contract">it came to our attention via the Daily Kos</a> that in the new contracts issued to players by the National Football League, anti-discrimination language aimed at protecting employees based on sexual orientation has been added. The info comes from the blog <a href="http://www.widerights.com/?p=1343">Wide Rights</a>, about the intersection between the LGBT community and the world of sports.</p>
<blockquote><p>The language from the <a href="http://www.widerights.com/download/2006-NFL-CBA.pdf">2006 Collective Bargaining Agreement</a> Article VII, Player Security, reads :</p>
<p><em>Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.</em></p>
<p>The new language in the <a href="http://www.widerights.com/download/2011-NFL-CBA.pdf">2011 CBA</a>, now moved to Article 49, reads:</p>
<p><em>Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin, <strong>sexual orientation,</strong> or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Does this mean the first openly gay athlete in American men's team sports will come from the NFL? Not necessarily, of course.</p>
<p>But someday there <em>will </em>be an openly gay football player, and the NFL is taking steps now to protect him, whoever he may be. Pete Olson from Wide Rights has some thoughts on how that language may have ended up in the contracts. I<img alt="Scott Fujita " class="media-image" height="200" id="3" style="width: 126px; float: right; height: 200px;" width="126" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/1200px/public/Scott%20Fujita_0.jpg?itok=Yf4zbD1N" />t could have been put there by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, one of the earliest and most vocal supporters of our friend <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/02/09/steve-buckley-talks-about-coming-out/">Steve Buckley</a> after he came out earlier this year. It could have been put there by Ted Olson and David Boies, the attorneys arguing against Proposition 8, who each represented a side of the labor disagreement that almost led to a shortened season this year. It could have been put there by <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/sports/football/03fujita.html">Scott Fujita</a>, another friend of GLAAD's and an outspoken supporter of the LGBT community, who is a team representative. Or it could have come from anyone else at the table looking around the sport - at Kraft, at Fujita, at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brendon-ayanbadejo/same-sex-marriages-whats_b_190591.html">Brendan Ayanbadejo</a>, at former players like <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/06/michael-strahan-same-sex-marriage-psa/1">Michael Strahan</a>, <a href="http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/6760900/former-dallas-cowboys-player-michael-irvin-gay-magazine-equality">Michael Irvin</a> and <a href="http://www.outsports.com/nfl/20021027eseramain.htm">Esera Tualo</a> - and looking at the pro-LGBT messages coming from other leagues, like the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/2011/05/16/some-amazing-progress-being-made-in-sports">NBA</a> and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15220169&amp;c_id=sf">MLB</a> - and recognizing that even if no players in the NFL need these protections today, it won't be long before someone does.</p>
<p>We are grateful to the NFL for telling the LGBT community that it is welcome in pro football and for taking this important and proactive step against discrimination.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 26, 2011</span></div></div></div>
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Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:46:57 +0000aaronmcquade34672 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/could-trailblazing-gay-athlete-come-nfl#commentsDeSean Jackson Apologizes for Anti-Gay Slurhttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/13/desean-jackson-apologizes-for-anti-gay-slur
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/desean_jackson.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-39765" title="desean_jackson" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/desean_jackson-265x300.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="168" /></a>For those of you who aren't big sports fans, here's a bit of backstory. Right now, the NFL is in a "lockout" thanks to a disagreement between team owners and the players' union over labor contracts. </p>
<!--more--><p> So rather than preparing for the usual late-July, early-August training camps, football players are having to find other things to do to pass the time. Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson recently went behind the mic to co-host a hip hop radio show on SiriusXM. As <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6751846" target="_blank">ESPN.com reports</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>Jackson, appearing on a hip-hop radio show late last month, used a multiword gay slur in response to a berating caller.</p>
<p>Jackson took calls on Sirius XM's "All Out Show with Rude Jude and Lord Sear" on June 30, replying in passing to a derogatory question about Jackson's toughness. Jackson responded, "What kind of question is that?" followed by the gay slurs.</p></blockquote>
<p>After some initial outcry, Jackson at first defended himself on Twitter, in tweets that have since been deleted, but <a href="http://www.salon.com/life/lgbt/?story=/ent/tv/feature/2011/07/11/desean_jackson_gordon_beckham_homophobic_slurs" target="_blank">Salon says</a> contained the following:</p>
<blockquote><p>WANNA BRING ME DOWN BUT IM OK!! THEY LOOKN 2 TAKE YA DOWN AT ALL TIMES NO MATTER HOW POSITIVE AND WHAT U DO!! ITS ALWAYS A WAY THEY TRY TO GET YA.... IM STANDIN TALL."</p></blockquote>
<p>Over the weekend however, the star receiver articulated a less defensive - and considerably less capitalized - view of the events.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-39762" title="DJtweet1" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet1-300x121.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="121" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-39763" title="DJtweet2" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet2-300x146.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="146" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-39764" title="DJtweet3" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DJtweet3-300x128.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="128" /></a></p>
<p>Now I know what you're thinking, and yes - I was thinking it too, especially since the apology doesn't read like anything else on Jackson's Twitter feed. But if you were to ask which one of these statements represents the "real" DeSean Jackson? The answer might not be so obvious.</p>
<p>I think they both might. Because this is also the "real" DeSean Jackson - a guy who showed up on The View to encourage, support, and (literally) give the shirt off his back to a <a href="http://www.queerty.com/nadin-khourys-brutal-attack-is-how-all-bullying-should-end-with-arrests-and-celebration-20110204/" target="_blank">young fan of his who had been severely bullied</a>.</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">CYbY1gqAEx0</a></span></p>
<p>This was obviously long before he used any anti-gay epithets while co-hosting a hip-hop radio show. This was not DeSean Jackson trying to make amends for something he had done wrong; this was him just doing a good thing for a young bullying victim. That sounds like something <em>the second</em> DeSean Jackson would do.</p>
<p>Once again, we see the disconnect that exists in our culture. Homophobic and transphobic slurs mean one thing to both the LGBT community and perpetrators of explicitly anti-LGBT violence and harassment. But to people who don't see themselves as anti-LGBT, these words (and in fact, simple identifiers like "gay") don't mean the same thing. To people who aren't used to their sexual orientation being used as a pejorative culturally, and who don't have a lot of interactions with people who do face this, it's not necessarily instinctive to back away from those words, and to take them out of one's vocabulary.</p>
<p>Does that excuse it? Not even close. But does it<em> explain</em> it? Perhaps.</p>
<p>Here's another important thing to consider. Remember that stuff I said at the beginning? About the NFL being in a lockout? That means that right now, DeSean Jackson is technically not employed by the National Football League, or the Philadelphia Eagles. That means no fines, no suspensions, and no discipline could have been levied upon him for this action. He didn't apologize because the league was going to punish him. He apologized because the world of sports is a very different, and far more inclusive place for LGBT people than it was even just a few years ago.</p>
<p>Here's the takeaway from all this. As frustrating as it was to learn that an NFL star had used such vile anti-gay language on the radio, it was<em> almost</em> as encouraging to see his response, especially knowing his history around the issue of bullying, and knowing that he couldn't have been penalized for it - at least not until the league and the players resolve their labor dispute.</p>
<p>Eventually I think we'll get to the point where professional athletes will realize that these hurtful phrases and slurs that have been thrown around on the ballfields and playgrounds all of their lives just aren't acceptable on the public stage. And as groups like <a href="http://www.athleteally.org/" target="_blank">Athlete Ally</a> and <a href="http://www.ben-cohen.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=174&amp;Itemid=106" target="_blank">Stand Up</a> gain momentum, we'll see those slurs start to disappear from the locker rooms as well.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 13, 2011</span></div></div></div>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:20 +0000aaronmcquade34105 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/13/desean-jackson-apologizes-for-anti-gay-slur#commentsSome Amazing Progress Being Made in Sportshttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/16/some-amazing-progress-being-made-in-sports
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Sports-Equipment1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-31939" title="Sports Equipment" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Sports-Equipment1.jpg" alt="" width="178" height="154" /></a>So for the last week, I've been meaning to write an update on some of the sports projects we've been working on here at GLAAD, and some of the positive work towards creating and cultivating an LGBT-inclusive atmosphere in the world of competitive athletics. </p>
<!--more--><p>And every time I sat down to start writing - like clockwork - something else happened.</p>
<p>On Monday, I wanted to write about how wonderful our meeting was with MLB executives a few weeks ago. Then HRC released <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2011/05/11/2011-05-11_sean_battles_bias_that_stinks_on_ice.html?r=sports" target="_blank">Sean Avery's pro-marriage PSA</a>. I wanted to write about both of those, then Philadelphia 76ers forward Mareese Speights tweeted the f-word at a friend of his. I wanted to write about those three, then NC State basketball star CJ Leslie tweeted that he didn't want gay people in the locker room. Then Speights <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Mospeights16/status/68399895572267008" target="_blank">realized his mistake</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Mospeights16/status/68401885895340033" target="_blank">offered a heartfelt apology</a>. Then <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/averyattack.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+towleroad/feed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29" target="_blank">an NHL agent made some anti-gay comments</a> about Avery's marriage video. Then <a href="http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/05/11/cj-leslie-apologizes-for-homophobic-tweets/" target="_blank">Leslie apologized</a>. Then Carolina Panthers linebacker <a href="http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2011/05/photo-carolina-panthers-lb-nic-harris-for-no-h8.html">Nic Harris posed for the NOH8 campaign</a>. Then Charles Barkeley <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/05/media-watch-charles-barkley-on-gay-athletes----we-dont-care/1" target="_blank">reitterated his support for marriage equality</a> and said that the world of pro sports is ready for an openly gay athlete (if they're good enough.) Then the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/14/sports/two-straight-athletes-combat-homophobia.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=1" target="_blank">New York Times profiled (our friends) Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor</a> and their respective efforts at eliminating anti-gay attitudes from sports. Then <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6553603" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns president Rick Welts came out</a>.</p>
<p>Seriously.</p>
<p>So I'm drafting my outline last night, and I'm trying to figure out whether I'm going to be able to tie all this stuff together - or whether I'm going to spend all day today writing 19 different blog posts about all these various sports stories - and naturally, one more story breaks.</p>
<p>First, came the airing of this <a href="http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2732.html" target="_blank">GLSEN/Ad Council PSA</a> against anti-gay bullying, featuring NBA players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley:</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">8D_XLCmY0D8</a></span></p>
<p>And here are couple of screenshots from Hill's Twitter feed - after the spot aired.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-36431" title="Grant Hill RT1" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT1.jpg" alt="" width="373" height="314" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-36432" title="Grant Hill RT2" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT2.jpg" alt="" width="377" height="269" /></a></p>
<p>And here's Grant's response:</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-36433" title="Grant Hill RT3" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grant-Hill-RT3.jpg" alt="" width="384" height="137" /></a></p>
<p>And as <em>you </em>can see from Grant's decision to take a stand - and Charles Barkley's, and Sean Avery's, and Nic Harris's, and Hudson Taylor's and Ben Cohen's and Rick Welts's, etc. - we are at an amazing and historic momentwhen it comes to acceptance and inclusion in the world of sports.</p>
<p>The culture of athletics is moving forward. And nobody - not that NHL agent, certainly not the folks who sent homophobic messages to Grant Hill - is going to stop it.</p>
<p>I can only hope I have to do another one of these "wide world of sports"-style posts next week. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBeD74f5_6w" target="_blank">cue the end music</a>)</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 16, 2011</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ben-cohen">Ben Cohen</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/charles-barkley">Charles Barkley</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football">football</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/grant-hill">Grant Hill</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hudson-taylor">Hudson Taylor</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marreese-speights">Marreese Speights</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/nba">NBA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/nic-harris">Nic Harris</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sports">Sports</a></li>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:55 +0000aaronmcquade33894 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/16/some-amazing-progress-being-made-in-sports#commentsNFL Hall of Famer Apologizes for Anti-Gay Commenthttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/13/nfl-hall-of-famer-apologizes-for-anti-gay-comment
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-25493" title="Dan Hampton" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Pro Football legend Dan Hampton <a href="http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6383&amp;MediaType=1&amp;Category=26" target="_blank">led off this weekend's episode of Pro Football Weekly</a> with an apology for two comments <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/09/07/nfl-hall-of-famer-makes-anti-gay-joke-on-air/" target="_blank">he made last week</a>. Hampton had suggested the Dallas Cowboys couldn't win the NFC East because "The Cowboys think they are Clint Eastwood; they're more of the <em>Brokeback </em>variety, if you know what I'm talking about.” He also suggested that the Minnesota Vikings should go into New Orleans (where they were playing the Saints) and "hit that town like Katrina."</p>
<p>Hampton <a href="http://www.afterelton.com/people/2010/09/pro-football-weekly-dan-hampton-apologize" target="_blank">apologized for both comments this weekend</a>:</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">wkQpjaCVjtI</a></span></p>
<p>Hampton: “Last week I made a couple of comments about Katrina and the gay community that not only embarrassed myself but the fine people here at Pro Football Weekly. I'm an idiot. And I am truly sorry if those comments offended any of our great and wonderful viewers. Again, I'm truly sorry about that.”</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 13, 2010</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/brokeback-mountain">Brokeback Mountain</a>, </li>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:38 +0000aaronmcquade33227 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/13/nfl-hall-of-famer-apologizes-for-anti-gay-comment#commentsNFL Host to Apologize On-Air for Anti-Gay Commentshttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/08/nfl-host-to-apologize-on-air-for-anti-gay-comments
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton-Speaking.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-25542" title="Dan Hampton Speaking" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton-Speaking.jpg" alt="" width="154" height="192" /></a>Dan Hampton, NFL Hall of Famer and a co-host of the TV show <em>Pro Football Weekly</em>, will issue an on-air apology for <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/09/07/nfl-hall-of-famer-makes-anti-gay-joke-on-air/" target="_blank">two offensive comments</a> he made during last weekend's show.</p>
<!--more--><p>
During a discussion about the season-opening game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints, Hampton said the Vikings need to go into New Orleans and “<a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/05/dan-hampton-vikings-should-hit-new-orleans-like-katrina/" target="_blank"> hit that town like Katrina</a>.” Later, in a segment about the NFC East, Hampton predicted that the Dallas Cowboys would be unable to win the division because they "think they are Clint Eastwood; <a href="http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/09/hall-of-famer-says-cowboys-mor.html" target="_blank">they’re more of the Brokeback variety if you know what I’m talking about.”</a></p>
<p>Hampton publicly apologized for the Katrina gaffe, but has not yet addressed the Brokeback comment. <em>Pro Football Weekly</em> publisher Hub Arkush told GLAAD that Hampton will be leading this weekend's show with an on-air apology for both statements. Arkush said "it shouldn't have happened" and assured GLAAD that similar incidents will not happen again.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 8, 2010</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/brokeback-mountain">Brokeback Mountain</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football">football</a>, </li>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:37 +0000aaronmcquade33213 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/08/nfl-host-to-apologize-on-air-for-anti-gay-comments#commentsNFL Hall of Famer Makes Anti-Gay Joke On-Airhttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/07/nfl-hall-of-famer-makes-anti-gay-joke-on-air
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-25493" title="Dan Hampton" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Dan-Hampton-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Former NFL superstar and current Pro Football Weekly TV co-host Dan Hampton made two serious fumbles on this week’s show. He has apologized for one of them.</p>
<p>Hampton said that when the Vikings meet the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints for a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game (which the Vikings lost in overtime) they need to “<a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/05/dan-hampton-vikings-should-hit-new-orleans-like-katrina/" target="_blank">go down there and hit that town like Katrina</a>."</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">9CQpVTiL74A</a></span></p>
<p>This statement was horribly offensive, and <a href="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/09/06/dan-hamptons-statement-and-apology-for-katrina-com" target="_blank">Hampton has apologized for it</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/09/06/dan-hamptons-statement-and-apology-for-katrina-com"></a></p>
<p>But that wasn’t the only offensive statement Hampton made in the broadcast. When talking about the Dallas Cowboys, Hampton said "The Cowboys think they are Clint Eastwood; <a href="http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/09/hall-of-famer-says-cowboys-mor.html" target="_blank">they're more of the Brokeback variety if you know what I'm talking about."</a></p>
<p><a href="http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/09/hall-of-famer-says-cowboys-mor.html"></a></p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">oMT-bprxwaU</a></span></p>
<p>I think we have a pretty good idea of what he’s talking about. Hampton was trying to insult the Cowboys by comparing them to gay people – simple as that.</p>
<p>Hampton wasn’t actually saying the Cowboys players are gay, but by making this comment, Hampton telegraphed to his audience that gay men are <em>not good enough</em>, just as he doesn’t believe the Dallas Cowboys are good enough. Hampton was a tremendous player for the Chicago Bears throughout the 1980s, he’s a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he’s a television personality, and whether he likes it or not, he’s a role model. Every day, millions of kids across this country are harassed, bullied and beaten because of attitudes like this. Hampton should not be using his platform to encourage homophobia.</p>
<p>Dan Hampton needs to apologize for this offensive and defamatory statement, just as he needed to apologize for his Katrina comment. We will be calling Pro Football Weekly to voice our concerns.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 7, 2010</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/brokeback-mountain">Brokeback Mountain</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/football">football</a>, </li>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:36 +0000aaronmcquade33210 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/07/nfl-hall-of-famer-makes-anti-gay-joke-on-air#comments